Position Change Leads to Success For Venegas and Flatonia Football
Fayette Co. Record’s Athlete of the Week
Flatonia junior Fidel Venegas was a wide receiver last year for the Bulldogs football team and has now taken command of the starting quarterback role.
In last Friday’s match against Stockdale, Venegas led the team in passing and rushing yards while scoring three out of the four touchdowns in a 28-26 victory.
“He’s really done a good job of managing the game,” said Flatonia head football coach Chris Freytag. “He’s been a good leader. Even when things aren’t going exactly right, he hasn’t gotten his head down, he leads the team. He’s explosive with his legs and his arm. He’s done a really good job for us and he’s going to continue to improve. There’s some things he knows he needs to work on. He’s doing that in practice. We expect him to continue to be a dynamic player for us.”
Venegas brings poise and athleticism to the table, along with many other quality attributes that he displayed last Friday, landing him a spot for this edition’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week.
Question: What’s it like being the first team quarterback?
Answer: “It’s a blessing. I wanted this shot since last year. They gave it to me. I took advantage and accepted the chance whenever they asked me.”
Question: What have been the keys to your team’s 2-0 start?
Answer: “Believing in each other. Bringing each other up. If we make a bad play, tell them there’s always the next play and just keep going from there. Make it up the next play.”
Question: How far can you throw a football?
Answer: “55 to 60 yards.”
Question: Who’s an NFL quarterback you model your game after?
Answer: “Probably Lamar Jackson.”
Question: What’s the best part about playing football?
Answer: “You can hit people. It’s my favorite part about it.”
Question: What’s your favorite movie?
Answer: “Probably got to be Friday Night Lights.”
Question: How fast can you run a 40-yard dash?
Answer: “4.6”
Question: Who’s a person you look up to the most?
Answer: “My brother.”
Question: What’s an activity you like to participate in outside of sports?
Answer: “I just like working. Whenever I don’t do football, I just go to work.”
Question: What are your goals throughout the rest of your high school career?
Answer: “Keep getting better everyday.”
As long as Venegas continues to be an anchor for Flatonia football, the Bulldogs will succeed because of it.
Recent FCR’s Athlete of the Week
August 20: Hayden Splawn, La Grange football
August 27: Maddi Fritz, La Grange volleyball
Sept. 3: Mattie Konvicka, Fayetteville volleyball
Sept. 10: Fidel Venegas, Flatonia football
* As we begin a new year of county player of the week features, read about the new honorees in our Friday editions and then watch their interviews on our Facebook page a few days later.